E-Z Breathe

So when I opted to review the E-Z Breathe basement unit I wasn’t sure what I was actually getting to be honest. I read up on it to see bold claims of Dehumidifier, air purifier and ventilator. It seemed too good to be true claiming to reduce not only the moisture while controlling mold and mildew but that it would also keep the smells down and improve air quality throughout my home. I couldn’t wait to get the thing in my basement.

I’ll preface the review with information on how I was previously handling the air quality of my basement. In the summer time I had been using a dehumidifier to keep down moisture and smells while hopefully preventing any mildew or mold in the process. There were a few sketchy areas I was concerned about but overall it seemed to serve it’s purpose making the air breathable while doing laundry and working on my computer down there. There was an obvious musty smell that, being in a few basements in my time, I believed was fairly common. This is my basement, on to the installation!

The Vendor who installed the unit at my house did a quick and amazing job, fully explained everything with an excitement only gained from his belief in the product itself. On sight the unit is small, not an eyesore in the least, and out of the way. The size worried me but upon asking the technician he showed me that the one I was getting could regulate the air of a 7,000 square foot home, mine is only a modest 1,500. The design is nice, if our basement was being finished at the time (it’s already finished), the ductwork could have been run under the drywall to make it less conspicuous then it already is. Even without this the color is close to the color of the wall it’s on and a quick glance you might not even notice it right away. It takes up significantly less space than my dehumidifier and also does not require any emptying of water or changing of filters, amazing!

I wanted to really wait on doing my review for this, I’ve had the unit now for 1.5 months and here is what I have found. After the first full day of activity, the smell in the basement was gone, and I was confused by the quickness in which it achieved this. Adjusting the dial on the unit, which if turned slowly you can gauge where your humidity level is, I deduced that I was still at 45%(where I was at with the dehumidifier running non-stop). So after a couple weeks we still had no smell but another check on the humidity level showed we were around 40%, awesome. A few more weeks pass, no smell and the air doesn’t feel as thick as before. Humidity check shows us around 30%!

All in all I am very impressed with the job that the unit is doing. There are a few things I need to point about this both positive and negative, though really not too negative. The unit itself running 24/7 will end up costing us between $2-$4 a month opposed to the dehumidifier running constantly costing around $20-$30. Speaking on the dehumidifier, it only works really to keep the moisture down where the E-Z Breathe removes harmful air contaminants as well. Also based on my listed observation above it does a much better job at controlling the moisture than the dehumidifier did, at a lower cost, with no need for dumping or removing water from the unit. Overall, once the unit was installed basement air maintenance became an afterthought. From all the research I’ve done and reading up on others views of the product there is only one downside, in my mind more of a side-side. In the few months during spring and summer when your heat and air are not used upstairs, which creates the dry air that is pulled and cycled through the basement by the unit, you may need to use a dehumidifier. This is documented in their literature and makes perfect sense. With open windows you would be replacing your air in the basement with the outside air, which could be humid. To me this is a non-issue as I still have the dehumidifier ready, and overall you are still going to see energy savings during the majority of the year.

From what it has done to this point I can only give the E-Z Breathe a ringing endorsement. It’s done wonders for my basement’s air to the point that I have been utilizing the space more and spending more time down there. Check the site for the full listings, scientific documentation, and other reviews regarding how this product works to improve the air quality of not only your basement but also your entire home.

E-Z Breathe relies on deceptive advertising to promote their ineffective and grossly overpriced ($1500) product. Their website makes the erroneous claim that moist air is heavier than dry air. This, of course, isn't true. Ask any meteorologist why a barometer falls as the amount of water in the atmosphere increases. Their website also infers that the system works by drawing dryer air from upstairs and replaces the moist air that has "settled" in the basement. Moist air doesn't "settle" in a basement. It is a result of moisture in the air condensing on the cooler floor slab and below grade foundation walls. In fact, bringing that air into a cooler basement is more likely to increase the relative humidity of that air due to the temperature change alone, and if the outside air is muggy, the system will only worsen the problem. The other major defect in the E-Z Breathe ventilation system is that as conditioned air is exhausted out of the house, that air must come from someplace, and that someplace will be unconditioned outside air pulled in through cracks around windows and doors and leaks in the envelope of house. An ERV or an HRV would be a far more energy efficient and sustainable ventilation system for exhausting stale air and bringing in fresh air because they will recover a large percentage of the energy (heat in winter, cool in summer) from the outgoing conditioned air. At roughly $2000-$2500, installed, the more energy efficient ERV or HRV won't cost a great deal more than E-Z Breathe's $1500 glorified exhaust fan.

This sounds like it comes from someone trying to sell ERVs or HRVs! My contractor suggested the EZ Breathe and it has taken care of our musty basement and the air throughout our home is much better. With 5 kids and a dog our home is smelling much better. Not to mention the reduction of dust and allergens that my kids are bothered by. However it works, I love mine.

Hello, I have an EZ Breathe that cost over $1400.00. I have had my townhouse tested for mold and have several types, some quite toxic. Is it possible that my having had it on for so long could have pulled mold from the inside cracks of the walls into the living space. Your comments seem to indicate that this might be so.

No. But the unit is no doubt diluting your air for you which is a very good thing if you have too much mold (like visible in a large area). Hope you didn’t rely on one of those self test mold kits for your information!

I agree that the so-called system is simply a fan with a duct. It does not appear to

have any filters as well. I have a damp basement mainly because it is cool and there is

some moisture that seeps in at the bottom of the ancient field stone. The question is simply whether to spend $1500 or not. My gut feeling is that the price is a rip-off, so I am presently undecided on how to solve the mold/moisture problem.

We got the EZ Breathe because our home had a musty basement that had high humidity. I was tired of taking care of dehumidifiers that still smelled. The best thing about it is that there are no filters or buckets of water to take care of. There is nothing we have to do and the smells are gone throughout our whole house. I have a child who is allergic to mold (with asthma) and this is the 1st. year she has not had pnemonia in the winter. I learned that dehumidifiers push mold spores back through the air if not continually cleaned. I love my EZ Breathe!

EZ Breathe does not claim to “clean” the air. It provides what the ALA, EPA, RESNET & ASHRAE, among others, agree is one of the best solutions for a healthier indoor environment: Ventilation!

In fact, Wisconsin adopted ASHRAE 62.2 in the 2nd &frac12; of 2005 for new construction, which states that “A mechanical exhaust system, supply system, or combination thereof shall be installed for each dwelling unit to provide whole building ventilation”.

EZ Breathe is a great way to introduce fresh air into a home, AND exhaust the stale or contaminated air from the home. With a maximum cfm rating of 176, EZ Breathe is also quiet, uses little energy and effective.

If you'd like more non-partisan information, look for a handout published by the EPA called the “Homeowner’s Guide To Ventilation”, which talks about the benefits of mechanical ventilation.

This device does do what it’s supposed to…VENTILATE. By ventilating, it expels dirty air and brings in fresher air. Its a vent fan people. Albeit a nice one. I say it’s worth the $ to have some one put it in for you. Then YOU control it! If it’s 100% rH outside, you obviously don’t want to run the thing.

I installed EZ Breathe in a duplex, one apartment above with another one below. Before EZ Breathe, the lower unit had mold on the walls and dampness in the winter months esp when it rained. Now after 2 years of installing ez breathe there is no more mold or condensation, it worked exactly as the company promised. i highly recommend this unit, it is small, simple, and effective. I know first hand.
it is worth every penny.

It appears to me that all of the negative posts about the EZ Breathe are coming from people who have no firsthand experience. It does not claim to clean the air; it claims to replace the air. I have found multiple posting all over the web. The people who actually have the system give it a good review. The people who claim it is too good to be true have no experience with the product. Regardless of how or why it works, my money is betting it does. I ordered one today. If you are handy, you can order directly from the company and install it yourself. $1250 includes shipping cost.

I have the system and it does not work! The company is not helpful and has refused a refund even though they promise one in their advertising and when purchasing the unit. The installer they sent me was an idiot and put a hole in my basement wall for the vent directly over the only cable outlet in the basement. If you havent purchased the unit I highly suggest that you dont. Save yourself time and money and buy a dehumidifier.
Good Luck.

The system does work. It has too. If you suck the air out of a space, outdoor air has to come in to balance the pressure. However, your claim that EZ Breathe does not claim to clean the air is dead wrong. Look at thier website. Right on the front page, “Clean & Healthy Living”. I do have experience with the product and I do feel its overpriced and over hyped. You can accomplish the same exact thing by turning on a bath fan and open a window. Same exact thing. If you want controlled ventilation, this is NOT it. You do need to move into an HRV/ERV depending on what area you are from.

Why not just build your own exhaust fan in the basement. I have priced something out with parts from Grainger and I could build something that can put out the same CFM or better and also trigger it with a humidistast for a fraction of the cost.

jvn is correct. I have a homemade exhaust fan / humidistat setup in my attic and basement. The attic unit very effectively prevents condensation on the underside of my metal roofing. It also has the same drawbacks as the expensive commercial product. ie: if the outside humidity is high, inside humidity will be too.

A humidistat may be a bit hard to find – check HVAC suppliy houses. You can start with a $25 box fan and move up if you need to.

@glt: Thank you for the information. Was it sufficient to place your basement exhaust fan in a basement window, or did you have to run its intake duct to the floor (the EZ Breathe approach)?

@Annie: EZ Breathe can't meet the ASHRAE standard for fresh air without running continually, true? But it's not designed to run continually, is it? Isn't it only designed to run until basement humidity falls below some setting? Also, to prevent excessive condensation in the basement, the manufacturer advises that the system be TURNED OFF if the household is not using A/C or heat. Can you explain how ASHRAE fresh air standards can be met, year-round, by such a system?

Also @annie, who seems to know the most about the system: It looks to me like the electrical aspects of the EZ Breathe are at FLOOR LEVEL. In a BASEMENT. Is this a good idea? Basements are prone to flooding – from acts of God, and from laundry machines. Do we want electrical circuits on the GROUND?

Finally, for anybody who knows a lot about HVAC: What about the risk of sucking toxic furnace or heater fumes into the basement? If a basement become depressurized, that can happen, right?

To achieve the results of this expensive unit for much less-you can buy a Deflecto dryer vent booster assembly
for about $120 – draws 20 watts is 135 CFM and uses a EBM blower from Germany that is a motorized fan with excellent life and excellent construction. You can buy a Honeywell humidistat from Grainger for about $80.00-both the items are excellent construction-take a look for yourself. Add some flexible duct to vent it out of the house-dryer vent etc. and you essentially have the same unit you would pay $1500.00 for. If you want add a speed controller for another $20.00.

Best post ever! Absolutely right on for a do-it-yourselfer! The concept is valid, but watch your heat/cooling bill go up from all the unconditioned air coming in. And backdrafting of CO down your vent stacks is a very valid concern!

I had an EZ Breathe system installed over a year ago. I was concerned about how the system would rid the basement of mold when it was drawing unconditioned air from upstairs. I was assured by the salesperson that it would so I went ahead and bought the unit. I was hopeful that I would not need a dehumidifier which was expensive to run and seemed to burn out every two years. This summer I had the worst mold problem I have ever had. I called EZ Breathe customer support and they told me that their system only works if the air they are drawing from upstairs is air conditioned. Otherwise, I would still need to run the dehumidifier. This is very different than what the salesperson told me and one of the concerns I had. They asked me to do a few things and would get back to me. They never did. I have sent emails that did not get responded to. From my perspective, the product does not work as advertised and their customer support is non-responsive.

When we had an old HVAC system replace the contractor installed an EZ Breathe system. Our formerly cool, comfortable, dry feeling with a dehumidifier basement became unbearable to be in, even though the relative humidity went down, & the upstairs became incredibly thick and hard to breathe in. Finally figured out that the unit was exhausting the air-conditioned drier air from the day & pulling in the high dew point, moist air as replacement from evening through morning, until it heated up enough around noon for the a/c to start running. This unit simply exhausts air you've paid to heat or cool. RELATIVE humidity can be misleading; a half full 1 oz. glass & a half full 8 oz. glass are both, in a way, "50% humidity", but one has a lot more water in it! If you cool warm outside air, the relative humidity will go up, but that doesn't mean there's any more moisture in the air. If you actually have a musty smelling basement, run a dehumidifier with an AUTO DEFROST feature (important, as in a cooler basement the unit might be iced up so much it's not actually removing water from the air most of the time).

This is a rip off, for 1500.00 you can find a better solution, They fail to tell you that you have to maintain a 50% humidity level upstairs in order for this thing to work, If I had that I wouldnt need the EZ Breathe. It made my basement worse!! disappointed

Thousands of homeowners, including me, are extremely happy with their EZ Breathe and they all had an issue which was solved by the EZ Breathe, weird huh? "Rip off" implies that the product doesnt work and is a scam to the public… which EZ Breathe CLEARLY IS NOT. If you have a very unique situation and are looking for a cheap solution to the problem you will most likely never find it. Yes, the EZ Breathe works best when you have air conditioning but since its 2012 and most people have air conditioning, most people see great benefits and results. I hope you find a solution to your problem and just wanted you to know you didnt get "ripped off". It just didnt work as well for you as it does for the majority of EZ Breathe owners.

that often reads the humidity much higher then what the ez breathe tells me…

also if it is drawing air from up stairs I feel it should be creating a bit of a suction on the basement door, which its not…

Lastly… and this is where I become the biggest skeptic is that I was told it has the power of over 10 dehumidifiers… so I let the system run for a week… then while it was running turned on a dehumidifier and still took about 15-20 pints of water out of the basement in less then a day… and this is in the later winter (how bad will it be in the summer!)

I just don't know… I really want it to work but I can't say its a life saver…

If you haven't bought this unit, DON't…The company isn't willing to work with you…The info they give you to begin with is false, then they send out someone that knows nothing about the unit to install it…No Warranty left and trying to reach them is out of the question…Wish I had found this site before I obligated myself to buying their unit that they claim is a miracle thing…

I just found an old note reminding me to post on here. I was worried after all these posts, almost cancelled contract, but now I’m thankful I didn’t. Its been about 7 weeks and I can tell a big difference. We love it. Thank you EZ Breathe.

I do have EZ Breathe about 3 months. This unit does not reduce humidity level at all. It is pure air ventilation product with rotary fans and inaccurate humidistat that brings whatever air from upstairs to downstairs and pushes it out, PERIOD. I was complaining a lot and they sent me Installer to test my house. My house is in excellent conditions and I do have so very expensive German computerizing heating system that masseur’s temperature, humidity in and out. House has no leaks, damages whatsoever. I hired independent Examiners as well and as a result EZ Breathe will just ventilate basement, NOT REDUCE HUMIDITY – PERIOD!!! My humidity level upstairs is 50%, basement 70-75% and it stays until I will use dehumidifier. In addition EZ Breathe stopped to work at its level of 40%, so 30% off. Lot of people don’t use basement or have awful place downstairs, so they think it works well, but compare and achieve what?
I did try to return the product back, because it was sold to me as a dehumidifier which doesn’t work at all! Company doesn’t take it back. I hired attorney and will sue EZ Breathe for misrepresentation and inconvenience.

I installed a bathroom in our finished basement and put in a small, quite bathroom fan. I used to use a dehumidifier, but I decided to try leaving the bathroom exhaust fan on all the time and see what happens. My basement has been perfectly dry ever since, with no dehumidifier required. Sure, I know I am drawing in outside, unconditioned air, but I figure my whole house air conditioner, and furnace can handle that, and I get the bonus of fresh air exchange. I’m sure I’m paying a little more to heat/condition the air being drawn in, but honestly I haven’t noticed a difference in bills.

I realize that some people who own this product are satisfied, but I would still caution people against it based on what I believe is deceptive advertising.

It is commonly agreed that the unit is simply an exhaust fan: it blows the air out of the basement, to be replaced by air from the rest of the house. They claim that the cost of this is $2-$4 per month, but that only factors in the cost of running the unit. If you are heating your house in the winter, Ez Breathe is pumping that heat outside. If you are air conditioning your house in the summer, Ez Breath is blowing your air conditioned air (plus some excess humidity picked up in the basement) outside to be replaced by hot, humid air. Essentially, you are using your existing heating and air conditioning system to dry out your basement, and these costs will definitely rise if you have an exhaust fan running. How much, EZ Breathe doesn’t tell you, in part because the cost will depend on the ambient temperature and humidity of the outside air. I suspect these costs may end up exceeding the cost of running a dehumidifier.

I have had the E-Z Breathe for five years and am completely satisfied. The installer was knowledgeable and competent. When it was first installed we could literally smell the mold and polluted air seeping out of the walls. In about 4 or 5 hours the house was noticeably drier and smelled better. I have a 3 room finished basement and use a dehumidifier in addition to the E-Z Breathe simply because there is an unfinished room behind one of the walls with a dirt floor which creates moisture when it rains. Let’s be realistic, basements are below ground and damp. We are not really supposed to live underground so to keep it dry would be challenging for any unit. Overall I am extremely happy with the unit and would highly recommend it. I have heard complaints about the customer service. Luckily for me the unit works great and I have never had to call anyone.

If you are pulling air out of your home, and you have any fossil fuel fired devices that aren’t positively vented, you should have a test for the amount of depressurization in your home (particularly the basement) performed to determine if there is danger of pulling combustion gases into the home with the system. A qualified energy auditor can perform the testing for you.

I agree with those who contend that a simple exhaust fan can accomplish the same thing as the EZ. Ideally an air exchange device would be used to negate the possibility of problems from depressurization, as well as reducing the amount of conditioned air being lost.

EZ-Breathe is a scam by all means, in my opinion. $1500-$2000 fan…
We just had an EZ-Breathe unit installed in our crawlspace/basement area. After a number of weeks, it has not only *not* removed the moisture, it has allowed all of the cleared mold to regrow (we have cleaned it MULTIPLE times while the EZ-Breathe was running), our pipes still bead with moisture, our vapor barrier is wet, all from excess humidity. I took a humidity reading with the EZ-Breathe running and it was 85%, that was after about 2 weeks. Now prior to installing, the tech said “You’ll *never* have to run a dehumidifier, it will be bone dry in a few days” etc… Not only that… but they also cut a vent hole in your house directly to your basement/crawlspace. My concern was, won’t the mold go into the house much easier with a direct hole there? The tech replied “Not a single molecule can get out, due to *negative pressure*”… within 1 day of them installing the vent, right around the same time they put new insulation down there, the entire house inside smelled like mold & insulation… My wife and I had to quarantine the main room where the vent was… I want to say something verrrrry clearly for anyone considering the EZ-Breathe unit, you will be spending 1500-2000 dollars on a FAN… and a fan that isn’t even high powered. Now after complains, the tech says “Well it took your home years to get that moist, look on it taking 3-6 months to get that moisture out” …. speechless. They then said “It’s not new mold growing, it’s old mold coming from inside the wood, that means the EZ-Breathe is working”… Another statement is “You have to constantly run your heat/AC so it has air to work with…” If you want moisture remediation, there are FAR better and more efficient ways to do this than buying the “Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner” of ventilation systems. Although at least Rainbow Vacuums work as advertised. STEER CLEAR OF THIS SCAM, that’s my opinion and experience. Worst appliance experience EVER.

How unfortunate. Your problem is not the EZ-Brethe, it is the company that installed it and the insulation. They may not know what there doing. The EZ-Brethe is a fan with a thermostat/humidistat and ductwork. If it turns on and stays on in conjunction with the ‘stats’,… it works! The EZ-Brethe company makes the unit and private individuals/companies re-sell, and install it. EZ-Brethe offers re-sellers enough profit margin for companies to want to promote it. I myself am seriously considering reselling this product, but until I feel appropriately qualified to determine that their problem exists do to lack of ventilation, I cannot, as a company, have satisfied customers. As you see here, if people are happy because there lives are made better by having a $1500 fan, stats and ducts unit installed, they will recommend the product and my company. Good business is happy customers. Many companies sell product and services folks don’t need. Not all companies are bad. The manufacturer is not responsible for its installation and other improper work done in conjunction with its installation. If a Dr. gives you the wrong medicine, it is not the medicine’s fault. (BTW, some insulation stinks [off-gasses] other brands do not). If the moisture problem and odors are CAUSED BY LACK OF VENTILATION, EZ-Brethe works well. Its not going to work in EVERY situation, especially if the problem of excess moisture is caused by something else. Most moisture problems can be traced and fixed. You need to find out why you have such excess moisture build up; where its coming from. A very knowledgeable AND experienced home inspector with an indoor air quality (IAQ) certification and a mold inspection cert (CMI) may be able to find the problem. After you find the culprit and fix it, your EZ-Brethe may just enhance your living experience or you may find it is not needed. Re-sell it on this site. There seems to be a lot of interest here despite the negatives. Best of luck.

The science: This device does not, on its own reduce the amount of moisture in a home’s air (i.e. absolute humdity). It simply draws air in the basement, which APPEARS to have more moisture that floors above, because its cooler summertime temperatures can hold less water, and then replaces that air with warmer air from the floors above. This device reduces RELATIVE humidity (a meaningless metric). Relative humidity compares the mositure level in air at some temperaute to what is the maximum amount of moisture that air, at that temperature, can hold. All other things equal, warmer air can hold more moisture. Wanna improve the relative humdity level in your house? Turn the heat on. This product is nothing more than an exhaust fan. It’s claimed advantage to not having to disguard water buckets isn’t one ease, but a testament to the fact that it doesn’t remove moisture from the air.

ANYONE claiming this device works fails to understand that the warmer air in brings in from outside has engaged your electricity expensive absolute humdity reducing appliances (a.k.a. your A/C and dehumdifier), relying on them to do the job it claims to do.

Bottom line: its deceptive advertising is based upon deliberate failure to indicate whether it’s absolute or relative humidty the device, alone, addresses. It does NOTHING, alone, to help the former more important metric, it only address the latter meaningless one.

Our home is 8 years old the only mold or moisture we get is on our
windows when its crazy cold and in summer when air is on and. Its humid outside. I as well as 3 of my children have alergies. We don’t have s damp or musty basement, although unfinished. So after reading everyones responce, is it worth it?

It may or may not work for you. A quote on their website says, “EZ Breathe CAN help reduce moisture in your home and crawlspace and improve ventilation in your home.” It does not say “WILL”. Moisture on the windows (condensation) is caused by excess moisture. I assume the window is wet on the inside in the winter and is wet on the outside in summer? Indoor dampness in winter is more of a threat. Find out what is causing it. Do you use a humidifier; have one installed on your heating unit? Have an improper vapor barrier installed beneath wallboard? Do you use gas log fireplace? Do you use propane wall heater? Do you have a HVAC unit that is too big or small for your home; are the ducts properly sealed and insulated? Are your bathroom and kitchen vents properly vented to the outside? Are your soffit vents clogged with blown insulation, etc., etc., etc? Most EZ-Brethe units are installed in the basement and to help stop basement dampness. I would start with answering the question, “Why are my windows sweating in my relatively new home”? A very good home inspector might find the problem.

The best and cheapest appliance to remove basement humidity and mold is the Breeze. It works on the same principle as other systems (Wave Ventilation, EZ Breathe, and Humidex), just costs more than a thousand dollars less: only $299. And, it carries a 5 year warranty. Why would anyone pay over $1,500 for the same thing or recreate the wheel by trying to make one yourself when you can buy a professionally made one at that price? I have it in my basement and it works like a dream using the same principle employed in the expensive units. It costs about $12 a year to run continuously. Check it out: BreezeSystemsInternational.com or at Amazon or Ebay.

THIS IS A SCAM! THIS UNIT DOES NOTHING! IF YOU HAVE AN AIR CONDITIONER IT WILL DO THE SAME EXACT THING! IF NOT AND YOU HAVE A MUSTY SMELL, SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY AND SPEND $100 OR LESS ON A DEHUMIDIFIER AND USE THAT ! NO HOLES IN YOUR HOUSE! NO UGLY VENT STICKING OUT IN YOUR BASEMENT, AND A LOT LESS MONEY! COMPANY IS DECEITFUL AND NON APPROACHABLE IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE OR REALIZE YOU HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF!

Aerus air purifiers are average when compared to the options available on the market.
Like the old saying goes, I didn’t get this way over night, so I can’t change all of this over night.
Besides being able to use steel blades another reason why this is so popular is that it is one of the quietest.

I do consider all of the ideas you have presented to your post.
They are really convincing and can definitely work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for beginners.
May just you please lengthen them a little
from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.